Recap: The Saints had
high expectations heading into
the year, but a 33-25 loss at
Chicago officially eliminated
them from playoff contention.
Devin Hester led the charge for
the Bears, who won consecutive
games for the first time all
season. He scored on a touchdown
catch as well as a punt return.
Both teams finished a
disappointing 7-9 after playing
the NFC Title game a year ago...FULL
STORY
Preview: When the
New Orleans Saints visited
Chicago last January, their
surprising 2006 season came to a
disappointing end. On the verge
of joining the defending NFC
champions at home for the
postseason, the Saints look to
avenge last year's playoff loss
to the Bears and get some help
to keep their 2007 season alive
when they return to Soldier
Field on Sunday. New Orleans
(7-8) and Chicago (6-9) met in
last year's conference
championship game with the Bears
ending the Saints' improbable
season with a 39-14 victory at
Soldier Field...Full
Story
Inside the Game Plans:
SAINTS:
With nothing to lose, the Saints
will likely throw caution to the
wind on Sunday against the
Chicago Bears. The Saints could
be down to their fourth-string
running back in rookie Pierre
Thomas, so a reliance on the
passing game may be necessary
even though Thomas has been a
rather nice surprise.
The Bears rank 28th in total
defense and are 24th against
both the run and pass. Since the
Saints rank fifth in total
offense and third in passing at
267.4 yards a game, they'll
likely try to do what they do
best -- especially if Marques
Colston is healthy after missing
the second half of last week's
game with a chest contusion...FULL
STORY
BEARS:
The Bears would love a repeat of
Sunday's Soldier Field weather,
which featured off-and-on snow
showers and a wind chill of
minus-18 with gusts up to 40
miles an hour, considering the
Saints are much more effective
throwing the ball than running
it. If CB Nate Vasher (groin)
can't play after missing last
week following a one-game
comeback after a 10-week
absence, the Bears will have
trouble containing Drew Brees,
especially if Marques Colston is
out...FULL
STORY
Peterson likely to
bear the load
Rocky Mountain
News, CO
Adrian Peterson, RB,
Bears: He had 30
carries last week,
and bad weather is
likely at this time
of year in Chicago.
The Saints come to
town on life support
...
